Review: Memory's Wake by Selina Fenech (Tour Stop)

Memory’s Wake
Selina Fenech
(Memory’s Wake Trilogy #1)
Publication date: June 16th 2011
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Lost in a world full of monstrous fairies, a troubled sixteen year old has to find out who she is and why her memories were stolen before she is found by those who want her dead.
She takes the name “Memory” and knows she has just one goal – to find her way home, wherever that is. But this land is strange. No technology to be seen, and iron is banned, thanks to a pact the humans have with the magical creatures who share their pre-industrial era world. In her t-shirt and torn jeans, Memory knows she’s different, even before she performs impossible magic.
Haunted by her past, chased by a dragon, wanted by the king and stalked by the strange, handsome savage that seems to know her, everyone is after Memory, and she suspects it’s not just for her eye-catching outfit. Her forgotten past holds dangerous secrets that will challenge everything she believes and risk the lives of everyone she loves.
Memory’s Wake contains over 45 illustrations by the author and artist.

My Rating: 4

My Review:

Memory's Wake is an absolutely enchanting novel, both stunning and suspenseful. From the very first chapter, I was drawn in by this fantasy world with danger and dragons, and the instant mystery that fogs around the protagonist. Memory is clever and tough, and she doesn't back down, even though she is placed immediately in a highly stressful situation.

The novel has excellent pacing, with a plot that continues to put the reader through a variety of twists and turns. Beginning with plenty of action that doesn't fade out as the book goes on, but rather, ascends to new levels with added mystery and reveal, Memory's Wake will not disappoint.

Although the writing can definitely stand out on its own, the gorgeous illustrations really do add to the reading experience. Not enough Young Adult novels have detailed images within them, and the ones in this novel were so incredible, it was a treat when each new one appeared.

Despite the excellent characterization in the majority of the characters, I just could not bring myself to like Eloryn. Of course, this is just the personal views of one, but she was a bit annoying. I really put in solid effort to not think that way, since the characters of Memory, Roen, Thyal, and Will all more than impressed me. However, I really do not have any other complaints.

Memory's Wake is funny at times, dark at times, and a good read the entire way through. Glad that I had the chance to read it, I am thrilled to continue with the trilogy. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour, this one is definitely something that I'd recommend.

Review: Godspeed by February Grace

Synopsis:

"What is a heart if not the ultimate clockwork?"

Abigail’s young life was saved by the kindness of strangers: Schuyler Algernon, the man who found her collapsed on cold city streets, and Quinn Godspeed, the doctor who risked everything by breaking the law to keep her fragile heart beating.

As the truth about what she’s become and her feelings for her savior overtake her, Abigail is forced to ask what constitutes life, living, and what dark secrets are contained within Godspeed’s past and the walls of Schuyler’s house.

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My Rating: 5

My Review:

From the very first scene, readers will become immersed in the world of Godspeed. The novel starts out with a mix of emotion and suspense that sets up a great tone for the rest of the story. Between the powerful voice and beautiful language, I could not help but become emotionally invested in this novel.

The storyline was excellent. I'm a sucker for anything clockwork (don't ask me why) as well as Victorian YA, so the work of Godspeed definitely had my interest from the very beginning. All my favorite stories are at least a little dark, and I was thrilled to find that in the plot of Godspeed.

And the characters! The characters. Definitely the shining achievement (although by no means the only achievement) of this novel. Elsewhere (shall I call her Elsewhere?) is such a strong female character. She has been through a lot, and that shows in her personality and actions, but she also is a bit of a romantic. That mix of characterization is a refreshing realism compared to the black-and-white, clear-cut personalities many characters are given. As a reader, I could not help but root for Else the entire time. As I cheered for her mechanical heart to keep beating, another character stole my own.

First of all, is Quinn Godspeed not one of the coolest names you have ever heard? I have good news, the character is just as wonderful. If you are anything like me (and for your sake, I pray not) then you have a soft spot for brilliant men with a dark side. (Sherlock Holmes, Will Graham, Pellinore Warthrop, need I say more?) Quinn is not only a genius, but also has the perfect amount of mystery that keeps us fangirls going. Plus, those swoon-worthy, show-how-perfect-he-is, hint-of-future-romance moments are definitely included.

And the romance in Godspeed is excellent. It is not overbearing to the point where it takes control of the entire story, but it is strong enough that it definitely became one of my favorites. From the main love interest to the relationships that never actually happened, I was hooked.

Godspeed is a novel that pulls you into a new world and keeps you there for a while. From the amazing, life-saving contraptions of Quinn Godspeed to the perfect ending, Godspeed is an excellent choice for fans with a variety of tastes.

Book Blast: Dead Dreams by Emma Right

Publisher: Right House Books
Print Length: 170 pages
ASIN: B00ESVEVBQ

Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams--of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.
Dead Dreams, Book 1, a young adult psychological thriller and mystery.

Excerpt

Chapter One

It started on a warm April afternoon. Gusts of wind blew against the oak tree right outside my kitchen balcony, in my tiny apartment in Atherton, California. Sometimes the branches that touched the side of the building made scraping noises. The yellow huckleberry flowers twining their way across my apartment balcony infused the air with sweetness.
My mother had insisted, as was her tendency on most things, I take the pot of wild huckleberry, her housewarming gift, to my new two-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t really new, just new to me, as was the entire experience of living separately, away from my family, and the prospect of having a roommate, someone who could be a best friend, something I’d dreamed of since I finished high school and debuted into adulthood.
“Wait for me by the curb,” my mother said, her voice blaring from the phone even though I didn’t set her on speaker. “You need to eat better.” Her usual punctuation at the end of her orders.
So, I skipped down three flights of steps and headed toward the side of the apartment building to await my mother’s gift of the evening, salad in an á la chicken style, her insistent recipe to cure me of bad eating habits. At least it wasn’t chicken soup double-boiled till the bones melted, I consoled myself.
I hadn’t waited long when a vehicle careened round the corner. I heard it first, that high-pitched screech of brakes wearing thin when the driver rammed his foot against it. From the corner of my eye, even before I turned to face it, I saw the blue truck. It rounded the bend where Emerson Street met Ravenswood, tottered before it righted itself and headed straight at me.
I took three steps back, fell and scrambled to get back up as the vehicle like a giant bullet struck the sidewalk I had only seconds ago stood on. The driver must have lost control, but when he hit the sidewalk it slowed the vehicle enough so he could bridle his speed and manage the truck as he continued to careen down the street.
My mother arrived a half minute later but she had seen it all. Like superwoman, she leaped out of her twenty-year-old Mercedes and rushed toward me, all breathless and blonde hair disheveled.
“Are you all right?” She reached out to help me up.
“Yes, yes,” I said, brushing the dirt off my yoga pants.
“Crazy driver. Brie, I just don’t know about this business of you staying alone here like this.” She walked back to her white Mercedes, leaned in the open window, and brought out a casserole dish piled high with something green. Make that several shades of green.
I followed her, admittedly winded.“Seriously, Mom. It’s just one of those things. Mad drivers could happen anywhere I live.”
She gave me no end of grief as to what a bad idea it was for me to live alone like this even though she knew I was going to get a roommate.
“Mom, stop worrying,” I said.
“You’re asking me to stop being your mother, I hope you realize this.”
“I’ll find someone dependable by the end of the week, I promise.” No way I was going back to live at home. Not that I came from a bad home environment. But I had my reasons.
I had advertised on Craig’s List, despite my mother’s protests that only scum would answer “those kinds of ads.”
Perhaps there was some truth to Mother’s biases, but I wouldn’t exactly call Sarah McIntyre scum. If she was, what would that make me?
Sarah’s father had inherited the family “coal” money. Their ancestors had emigrated from Scotland (where else, with a name like McIntyre, right?) in the early 1800s and bought an entire mountain (I kid you not) in West Virginia. It was a one-hit wonder in that the mountain hid a coal fortune under it, and hence the McIntyre Coal Rights Company was born. This was the McIntyre claim to wealth, and also a source of remorse and guilt for Sarah, for supposedly dozens of miners working for them had lost their lives due to the business, most to lung cancer or black lung, as it was commonly called. Hazards of the occupation.

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About the Author:

Emma Right is a happy wife and Christian homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, a  bunny and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. She loves the Lord and when she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one. Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.

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